Ellenboro Bluegrass Convention set for Saturday

Bluegrass music will be playing and barbeque will be cooking at the 21st annual Fiddlers' and Ellenboro Bluegrass Convention this weekend.

The event will be Saturday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Ellenboro Elementary School. The evening will begin with a barbeque supper that starts at 4 p.m.

The convention is modeled after a fiddler's convention that once took place in Hollis.

"This event is an outgrowth of the Colfax Free Fair Committee. We knew of a tradition in that part of the county that had taken place for many years in Hollis. The idea was to resurrect that event. This one in Ellenboro is based on the same concept," said Ronnie Hawkins, member of the Colfax Free Fair Committee. "This helps us generate some funds to support the exhibit hall at the fair, which ultimately serves to provide funds to Ellenboro Elementary School."

Monetary prizes of $400, $200 and $100 will be awarded to the first, second and third place band. The top three instrument and vocal finishers will also receive a cash prize. Trophies will be awarded for best band, best banjo, best fiddle, best mandolin, best bass and best dobro. The best vocalist will also receive a trophy. No electric instruments are allowed.

"It is good, wholesome family entertainment. It builds on part of the heritage of the community and it directly and indirectly helps the elementary school," Hawkins said. "The Forest City Boys are going to be the host band and we are expecting a lot of competitors. We usually have a really good turnout, there is always a good crowd."

Convention tickets are $7 for adults and $1 for children. Barbeque supper tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for ages 6-12 and free for children under five.